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I found my people and my drive

As an adult, finding my people has been a challenge. I found them in pockets at grad school. I found a few when I starting teaching. We have a couple from church. But I’ve never been one to really truly feel like I fit in. Always a bit of an outsider in large groups.

Then I started blogging. And found people online that seemed like-minded with so may similarities. And I met a couple in real life. I even went to Kansas and stayed in a blog friends’ house! I’m even in a group with several hundred local Georgia bloggers!

Of course, blogging has changed over the years since I started on 2005. But, at it’s core, it’s all about the same thing; the stories and community. That’s why we all started. That’s why we are all here.

This weekend, I attended the Mom 2.0 Summit. When I bought my ticket last May, I had zero expectations (pretty sure it was Meghan that prompted me to hit “pay”). I even bought it thinking, “I’m going to have a four month old…I can always sell it, right?” As the conference grew closer, I didn’t get nervous or worried about bringing B with me, I got excited and ready to meet my friends. Some of whom I had met in person before, and some that only “lived in the computer.”

Friday morning, I met with my localfriends and we drove into the conference where we ended up getting separated. Kelly and I found each other and she immediately asked me to come sit with her and some other buddies. I was at ease. I didn’t know everybody, but we were all kindred spirits and there for the same cause. I was with my people! Never have I sat in a room with several hundred people and felt more relaxed and dare I say confident.

We listened to Robin Meade’s key note about beauty and saw videos with girls asking if they are beautiful. And we cried together. We smiled together. We laughed and cried some more.

I was so incredibly nervous bringing B to a conference for 3 days by myself. What if she cries? Will people get upset? First, she was amazing. And second, I don’t think I met a stranger… well, at least she didn’t. Everybody was so welcoming her her cute little face! She was definitely an ice breaker for me. I had countless offers to hold her, carry her, carry my stuff, get me food and more. (Although, no offers to change her diapers!) She even made it onto The Today Show while Kendra was holding her!

And, we got to snap a picture with Robin Meade!

We conferenced hard for two days straight. I didn’t make it to every panel or session I wanted to. But I talked to everybody I could. I had meaningful and thoughtful conversations. Every person I talked to felt like they were genuinely interested. And, more importantly, they got me. They get me. These are my people. These are my friends, every last one of them. I consider them all my friends!

It might have taken me thirty-garble-grumble-something years to find my tribe. My people. But, I’m pretty darn sure I have. And while there aren’t pictures of all of them, Mitch, Linda and I made a point to get one together (third conference is the charm!).

I am more than glad I went. I am, well it’s hard to put into words, thrilled. I found my people. The ones that get one. The ones that I get. All in the same “room” at the same time. Sharing, educating, passing on real knowledge and not just hinting at it.

And while I was there, my confidence was boosted, my desire to do even better was renewed and my drive to move forward and be amazing was pushed to the max. Thank you to everybody at Mom 2.0 for such an amazing time and experience. And, of course, for the Prada bag!

Look out, Scottsdale, I’ve got my Mom 2.015 ticket!

Thank you again @mom2summit! I woke up this morning with the biggest smile on my face! Buying my ticket for 2.015 today!!!

Comments

That’s so great that you all clicked like that! I went to one blogging event this year and only made 1 great blogging buddy. That’s ok, because we laughed and had a great time all night long. Good for you finding your “people”!Theresa´s last blog post ..Spell Check

Being new to the blogging community, I was worried there was in “in-crowd”- the people with a bazillion followers. I was wrong. Everyone has been so welcoming. I hope that one day I can get my butt in gear and head to a conference!Carly Bellard´s last blog post ..Devotion Bakeshop Review & GIVEAWAY!!!

I have not attended mom summit yet. It is on my list, hopefully one day when they are closer to my area. Looks like a lot of fun and congrats on the win!!Bobbie´s last blog post ..Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Looks like you had a blast. I would love to finally get a chance to go to a conference, hopefully next year. I have made some awesome blogger friends since I started and you are right they just get it.

Mom 2.0 was definitely an experience! I am hoping I can make it to Arizona next year. B was such a good conference babe too. I am not sure Baby D would have been so pleasant!!Kecia´s last blog post ..6 Tips to Traveling with a Potty Training Child

Krystyn has been blogging since 2005. She is a sarcasm-loving, straight-shooting, jeans and t-shirts wearing, wife and mom of four girls (ages 8, 6, 3 and 1). She blogs about life as a mom and wife and includes anecdotes, funny stories (both mommy and other), product reviews and more. She currently resides in the Atlanta suburbs.
email: krystyn at reallyareyouserious dot com Read More…

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Krystyn has been blogging since 2005. She is a sarcasm-loving, straight-shooting, jeans and t-shirts wearing, wife and mom of four girls (ages 8, 6, 3 and 1). She currently resides in the Atlanta suburbs.
krystyn at reallyareyouserious . com Read More…